Michel Platini, the former president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), sharply criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino, stating that his way of managing the organization has become more like an autocratic rule, and that he prefers dealing with the wealthy and influential at the expense of democratic values within football.

Platini said that Infantino has clearly changed since assuming the presidency of FIFA, noting that the absolute power he holds has made him more inclined toward unilateral decisions. He added that, from his perspective, FIFA today is less democratic than it was even during the tenure of his predecessor, Sepp Blatter.

The French football legend criticized Infantino's close ties with influential political and economic figures, considering this approach to reflect a focus on status and money rather than a genuine concern for the essence of football and its development at the grassroots level and within smaller associations.

Platini's statements come amid longstanding disputes within the corridors of global football administration, especially after his exclusion from the administrative scene in recent years. He continues to express his dissatisfaction with the direction FIFA is taking under the current leadership, emphasizing that football needs more balanced and transparent leadership.